"Alright, the battle is over."
As the entire arena fell silent, Hidezawa quietly retracted his kunai, and at the same time, he extended his hand to Uchiha Itachi.
Itachi seemed to still be in a daze; he stared blankly at Hidezawa, who was helping him up, his mind completely blank.
Hidezawa paid him no mind, patting him on the shoulder as if it were 'an elder's encouragement to a junior', then turned and walked towards Sarutobi Hiruzen.
However, just then, the previously silent exam arena suddenly erupted, boiling with thunderous cheers.
"Flying Thunder God, that's the Flying Thunder God Technique!"
"Unbelievable, truly unbelievable!"
"He's incredible!"
Amidst these cheers, countless people began to discuss animatedly.
Although the Flying Thunder God's significance to Konoha might not surpass that of the Wood-style, it was certainly not far behind, especially for ninja who had experienced the Nine-Tails Incident; they could not forget the power of the Flying Thunder God.
In fact, in their eyes, that night, it was the Flying Thunder God Technique that saved Konoha.
The rampaging Nine-Tails had directly launched a Tailed Beast Bomb at Konoha. If the Fourth Hokage hadn't used the Flying Thunder God to transfer it, that terrifying explosion would have certainly occurred within Konoha.
Moreover, if the Fourth Hokage hadn't transferred the entire Nine-Tails out of Konoha, the losses that night would likely have been even greater.
Many ninja even felt that the Wood-style was more of a symbol of power for Konoha.
But the Flying Thunder God was Konoha's most beneficial power at present.
Therefore, how could they not be excited to see the Flying Thunder God appear in Konoha again?
"Hokage-sama, the mission is complete."
Although Hidezawa's expression seemed calm as he heard the cheers, he was very satisfied inwardly.
To inherit 'Danzo's legacy', he had to demonstrate a certain level of ability and also possess some prestige.
And this Chūnin Exams just happened to provide him with this opportunity, along with a related mission.
If Hidezawa didn't seize and utilize this opportunity that had come his way, it would be too disrespectful to it.
"Hmm."
Hiruzen's mind was buzzing at this moment; he truly hadn't expected Hidezawa to actually learn the Flying Thunder God.
When he gave the Flying Thunder God to Hidezawa, on one hand, Hidezawa's mission record was simply too good, and he deserved appropriate rewards.
Beyond that, he also hoped to completely transform Hidezawa, the Root member, and bring him over to his side.
After much thought, it seemed to him that only the Flying Thunder God, this 'Hokage Ninjutsu', was the most suitable.
Now, his mind was a bit muddled, because he realized Hidezawa's talent seemed to be much better than he had imagined.
Not only did he learn it, but he learned it in just a few months.
"Well done!"
However, Hiruzen quickly regained his composure, and a radiant smile appeared on his wrinkled face.
Hidezawa learning the Flying Thunder God was absolutely great news for Konoha.
Konoha was too weak right now. With a strong boost like Hidezawa, it was good for everyone.
Thinking of this, he decisively reached out and patted Hidezawa's shoulder heavily twice.
"Well done, Hidezawa!"
"…"
Hidezawa watched Hiruzen's expression shift from astonishment and daze to excitement and relief in an instant, and for a moment, he even suspected he was seeing a face-changing act.
However, Hiruzen didn't mind; he smiled and continued.
"The Flying Thunder God is no simple ninjutsu. I truly didn't expect that after Minato, I would be fortunate enough to see it bloom again.
Hidezawa, I want to thank you, and also congratulate you!"
"Thank you for the praise, Hokage-sama."
Hidezawa smiled and nodded. Look at the Third's speaking level; it was so much higher than Danzo's.
"Go and rest well first. The assessment will continue, but I imagine hardly anyone will be watching now."
Hiruzen continued to say with a playful smile, pointing to the cheering crowd and shaking his head.
"Kakashi and the others are watching, I think they're also very excited right now. Don't keep them waiting.
Also, after the exams are over, I have something to give you."
At this point, he paused slightly before continuing.
"Those are the related insights and notes on the Flying Thunder God from my teacher, the Second Hokage, and the Fourth Hokage, Minato.
I think they are most suitable for you now."
"Then, I thank you once again, Hokage-sama."
Hidezawa nodded without refusing. Although his Flying Thunder God proficiency and usage methods could be improved by adding points and then fed back into his mind.
However, with these notes, he could somewhat conceal the issue of his excessively high proficiency.
After all, he had directly obtained the Flying Thunder God Technique at LV6 through [Ninja World Dr.].
Hidezawa wasn't entirely sure what level Minato's Flying Thunder God had reached, but he knew one thing.
That was, he could sense all the Flying Thunder God Marks left behind by the Fourth Hokage.
Just like at that moment...
As Hidezawa walked towards Yugao and the others, who were cheering with a faint smile on his face, his peripheral vision seemingly inadvertently scanned a large tree not far away.
In his perception, there was a Flying Thunder God Mark at that location.
'Uchiha Obito, why did he come here?'
…
"It seems this kid isn't an easy one."
Hidden behind a large tree, the black half of the Zetsu's face whispered to Obito.
"I've already investigated his information. He's used to be an ordinary orphan, but he entered Danzo's Root and was trained there.
He's extremely proficient in Earth-style, and also has a decent-level in Water-style. And now it seems he's also mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"Hmm."
Obito looked at Hidezawa, who was now gathered with Yugao, Kakashi, and the others, constantly laughing and chatting. His gaze became somewhat unfriendly.
He didn't care about Kakashi; ever since Rin died by Kakashi's hand, his heart had died too.
His greatest dream now was to achieve the Infinite Tsukuyomi, to create a world of his own, a world with Rin and the real Kakashi.
What bothered him was the Flying Thunder God Technique. He couldn't forget how he had been severely taught a lesson by Minato using the Flying Thunder God.
"However, the plan continues. This kid's identity and his Flying Thunder God have given me a lot of inspiration!"
"Oh?"
Black Zetsu looked at Obito in surprise, but he quickly understood what Obito meant.
"You plan to use his Root identity and the Flying Thunder God to cause trouble?"
"Yes."
Obito nodded directly, speaking calmly.
"I know that guy Danzo has a prejudice against the Uchiha, and I've been watching what he's done all these years.
Since this kid came from Danzo's Root, it's not surprising that he harbors ill will towards the Uchiha.
And he also knows the Flying Thunder God Technique. If a Uchiha kid is suddenly attacked, and no traces can be found at all...
Then, who do you think they'll suspect…?"
Clearly, they would only suspect someone who could accomplish such a feat.
Obito's gaze looked into the distance, towards Itachi and Shisui.
These two were his targets.
*****
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✓ Killed For 100 Years in Hueco Mundo, Aizen Invited Me To Soul Society!
✓ Naruto: Senmei Asahi
✓ Naruto: Uchiha's Intelligence Dealer
✓ Naruto: The Fifth Hokage Is Naruto's Uncle
✓ Naruto: Who Made Him a Ninja?
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✓ To Love-Ru: Spoiler Route [R-18]
✓ Naruto: The Accidental Incubus [R-18]
✓ The Academy's Saint Is Too Popular, But He's Not the Protagonist [R-18]